Germany, Britain, Australia and Ireland Take Gold In Minsk

The German trio ofRene Enders,Stefan Botticherand Maximilian Levy upset the favourites on Thursday (February 21) to clinch the men's team sprint title on the second day of the world championships inMinsk.

The trio ofLaura Trott,Dani KingandElinor Barkerbrought Britain their first gold in theBelarus capital, the Olympic champions crushingAustraliain the women's team pursuit final by nearly two seconds.

Defending championMichael HepburnofAustraliasped around the track in the individual pursuit to record four minutes 16.733 seconds, beatingIreland'sMartyn Irvinein the men's final by almost eight seconds to giveAustraliatheir third consecutive gold medal in the event.

Under an hour laterMartyn Irvinewas back on the track again and this time he won gold in the 15km scratch race to add to his silver.

It was the first timeIrelandhad won a men's medal at the world championships for over 100 years.